Havfru [English translation]

Dankonning[*] he seizes a mermaid

- That mermaid is dancing on the tilje[**] -

He lets her out of the tower when (she causes) all trouble

Because she is different, not his liking!

You born shall be three bold sons

- That mermaid is dancing on the tilje -

Your young life so they rejected

So I now foster all your wills

Mermaid, mermaid, dancing in the tilje

That mermaid is dancing on the tilje

Mermaid, mermaid, dancing in the tilje

That mermaid dancing on the tilje [x2]

That mermaid she sits on the wave that is blue.

- That mermaid is dancing on the tilje -

The Danish Queen cried, and never laughed

So she had supported her wish.

In heaven you shall build and live:

- That mermaid is dancing on the tilje -

There you first get rest and peace.

Now I have fostered all your wills.

Mermaid, mermaid, dancing in the tilje

That mermaid is dancing on the tilje

Mermaid, mermaid, dancing in the tilje

That mermaid dancing on the tilje [x5]